Hello there, I don't exactly know what to put in this update but I think it's time to update so here we go. I guess first I'll start with a quick update on all the projects:

Sonzapote: This project is yet to be completed, which kind of confuses me because I don't quite know why. The solar array, pump, tanks and major tubing were all installed months ago. All that remains now is the installation of the 1/2" tube from the main lines to each house (probably the cheapest and easiest part of the project). Officially we're waiting on the community to raise their portion of the funds but I've gotten to the point where I don't know if I buy it. I'd say about 90% of the families have paid their 300 Cordobas ($15) and deserve to have water but don't. I can't quite see how we are holding up water to 9 for the sake of 1. I also don't see it as an Asofenix problem of overlooking the community because Jaime is in contact with the water committee there several times a week. It appears as though it might be local leadership as we've had problems with community organization in the past. The problem is that the committee members are elected by the community and so, while we can personally support good candidates, we can choose who we want on the committee. The same thing happened in Bramadero 2 years ago and it took the community almost until now to elect good leaders, not just popular ones, but in the end they did and now have a very good leadership core. I guess that's the reason we stay in communities for 5 or more years, because real development just needs times.

In other news. Seith and Sara (along with local agriculture, health experts) successfully completed a week long session of capacitations, or workshops, focusing on agriculture, health, deforestation, etc. In the words of one community member, the sessions were "Beautiful."

El Corozo: Oh do I miss Corozo. Wonderful people, amazing and active leaders, enthusiastic community, and amazing views (not to mention fresh oranges as far as you can see). We finished in Corozo installing the 30 solar panels via a micro-credit program about 3 weeks ago and I haven't been back to my dismay. Not that they need me. The trained technicians were more than capable of installing their own systems by the end. If only they were all this easy.

El Roblar/La Laguna: A story of contrasts with these two micro-hydro installations. In El Roblar we've progressed nicely. We've measured the head and flow, planned out the tube, calculated the losses, designed the electrical grid, bought the turbine and generator, met with community members, legalized ownership of the project/lands and started the construction of the dam. In La laguna we walked ot the dam site once to look at it. This is the difference between an active and excited community and one that shows little interest. It's a good wake up call to our limitations in development work....we can't really do ANYTHING without the support of the community. As it turns out we're currently revising our proposal to move the Laguna installation to another community.

Sonzapote Wind: Don't ask.

Biogas Digestors: As this is a new field for Asofenix we're currently working out kinks and trying different designs. But I'm currently really pleased with our progress and think we'll nail down a good design shortly. Thanks a lot to the group from Northwestern coming down this weekend. It's there funds and support that have really allowed us to take off with our biogas digestor plans.

Well, that wasn't as quick as I thought it would be but a summary it was. As for me. Things are going really well. We've slowed down to a much more reasonable pace for the moment, thanks to some capable additions and contractors we've hired to help with the projects in Gustavo and Vilches. I no longer have to work 7 days a week to stay on top of things which is nice.

I've used my free time wisely I should say. Finally getting back in touch with some friends in Managua. There's a really great international community (and Nicaraguans) here working for other NGO's or with programs like UNICEF. I find that I seem to have a lot in common with and really enjoy spending time with people who choose to work in developing worlds....go figure (I also think the climate just really mellows people out...I have to admit that I didn't miss winter all that much). In fact today I'm planning on moving my things from the office to the house of my friends Charles (French) and Jussi (Finnish). That's right I'm moving out. The office was OK but a year of living in a concrete square room with nothing but bunkbeds and plastic chairs was too much for me. Plus it will be nice to have roomates again. As it is I will probably spend about half my nights here in the office and the other half at the house.

I'm still thinking about getting a motorcycle too, but probably won't happen :(

Well I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying spring. Here it's just getting hotter and hotter and hotter and dryer.

Cuidense mucho,

David